As part of our clean-up day at Chandler Town Park, 4 A Better Chandler, Inc. looked into the resurfacing of the basketball court. We were unable to get a quote in time for the work to be completed before our event, but when we did, we began looking for funding to get the project completed.

Metzger Construction graciously offered to pay half of the cost for filling in the cracks and seal-coating the surfacing, and for painting the lines to really spruce up the basketball court. We approached the Park Board about matching the donation, and they agreed it was a worthy project.

In addition to the surfacing improvements, the Park Board is investigating the cost to replace the fan-style backboards with regulation-size rectangular ones. This would complete the overall basketball court improvement project that began one month ago when we painted the goal posts and hung new nets.

There are a group of teens who frequent the court almost daily, and they have already expressed their gratitude for the work our community has put into the improvements; one even joined in the efforts to paint during our clean-up event. Engaging the community for the betterment of Chandler is part of our mission, and 4 A Better Chandler, Inc. is so excited to be a part of a growing group of residents who are working toward making a positive impact in our town.

CHANDLER, IN – Fifty-two children ages 3-17 fished for prizes at Chandler Town Park Saturday morning, June 6 during a first-time Youth Fishing Tournament. The event was hosted by 4 A Better Chandler, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life in Chandler, at the park’s 1.75-acre lake. “The idea behind the tournament was to bring kids and their families together for a little friendly competition and just to provide an educational opportunity,” said Wendy Wary, President of 4 A Better Chandler, Inc. “There were a few kids who had never fished before, and it was fun to watch as they learned the basics and reeled in their first catch.”Prizes of lures, bait, and t-shirts were provided by Buck’s & Jake’s Outfitters of Boonville. Additional sponsors for the event included Kim James, ERA First Advantage Realty Agent; Donut Bank of Newburgh; Krispy Kreme; and Schnuck’s. Winners included: Biggest Fish: Keaton Maggard, 10 – 14.75” bass; Kellsae Pruiett, 16 – 11.25” catfish. Smallest Fish: Liam Smith, 9 – 2.5” minnow; Dustin McNeely, 17 – 5-3/16 bluegill. First Catch: Joseph Ashby, 8 - :01; Kellsae Pruiett - :05. Most Fish Caught: Joseph Ashby – 18; Kellsae Pruiett – 3. A total of 86 fish were caught during the event, a majority of which were bluegill. Catfish were the second most popular catch. One turtle was also caught and released by a participant. In addition to the tournament, coloring pages with educational information on freshwater inhabitants were also provided.“I was excited to see so many families spending quality time together at our park,” said Daniel Edwards, 4 A Better Chandler, Inc.’s vice president. “Parks should be spaces where the community can come together for recreation and that’s exactly what we saw today.”